This material by Grigory Malyshev is given as a discussion from the point of view of the average person and does not pretend to be any deep military-scientific knowledge. Since some points in this publication seem controversial or superficial, we asked an armored vehicle specialist to briefly comment on the author’s statements.
In the recent past, the Nizhny Tagil Tank Plant produced a new model of the main battle tank called T-90MS "Tagil". The tank immediately attracted attention with interesting technical solutions that had not previously been used on production domestic vehicles. It looks very impressive and modern - the design, although not from the Pininfarina studio, was definitely a success. The tank can claim the right to be considered one of the most powerful tanks in the world today.
It would be very interesting to analyze the design of this tank, as far as possible. Find out what the designers did right and what they didn’t, and what further improvements are possible in the design of this interesting machine.
Brief characteristics of the T-90MS are as follows:
Dimensions:
— Weight 48 tons
— Length 9530 mm
— Width 3780 mm
— Height 2228 mm
Weapons:
— The 125-mm 2A46M-5 or 125-mm 2A82 gun-launcher is the main combat weapon of the tank, designed to destroy all types of ground, surface (within range) and low-speed air targets. Ammunition of 40 artillery shells of various types: BOPS, OFS, KS or guided missiles (UR) 9K119M "Reflex-M".
— Coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun 6P7K (PKTM) with a cannon. It is designed to combat enemy personnel that are within the firing angles of the main weapons. The machine gun is paired with the cannon and has the same field of fire as it. Ammunition capacity: 2000 rounds of 7.62x54R cartridges of various types. This weapon is installed in a completely new circular rotation turret with a developed turret niche.
— Remote-controlled machine gun mount T05BV-1 with a 7.62-mm machine gun 6P7K (PKTM). Designed to combat enemy manpower, which is hidden either higher than the firing range of the main weapon, for example, on the upper floors of buildings, steep mountain slopes. Either below the firing sector of the main weapon, in shelters, dugouts, or directly next to the tank in the so-called. “dead zone” for a tank gun and a coaxial machine gun. Thus, according to the designers, the combat stability of the tank in cramped and urban combat conditions should be ensured. Ammunition capacity: 800 rounds of 7.62x54R cartridges of various types.
Fire control, surveillance and target detection system:
— Fully digital, highly automated control system “Kalina” with a BIUS integrated into it. Thermal imaging and television devices intended, among other things, for all-round surveillance.
Security:
— Multilayer combined armor of the latest design in the frontal part.
— Spaced armor on the side.
— The latest built-in dynamic protection “Relic”.
— Local protection of ammunition.
— Measures that reduce the thermal and noise signature of the tank.
Mobility:
— Multi-fuel diesel engine V12 V-92S2F2 with a power of 1130 hp. + automatic transmission.
— Power ratio ~23 hp/t.
— Maximum speed 60-65 km/h on the highway.
— Power reserve 500 km.
The tank was created on the basis of previous modifications: T-90A and T-90S. Now let's look in more detail at what differences we see on this machine. What immediately catches your eye can be listed point by point:
1. New tower with a developed aft niche.
2. New 125 mm 2A82 gun.
3. New dynamic protection "Relic".
4. The tank does not have the KAZT Arena-E active protection system.
5. The Shtora optoelectronic suppression kit is not available on the tank.
6. Finally, the tank received a normal hard armored hull bulwark, generously flavored with Relikt dynamic protection elements and lattice screens in the rear.
7. The anti-aircraft gun with the NSVT large-caliber 12.7-mm machine gun has sunk into oblivion. Its place was taken by a new machine gun mount with a 7.62 mm 6P7K machine gun.
8. Slightly more powerful V-92S2F2 engine + automatic transmission.
9. The tank received an additional power unit in an armored container mounted at the rear of the hull on the left.
What else can you say about this car?
— the body, like the previous modifications, mainly remained from the T-72;
— in the chassis there are also no significant differences from the T-72;
- the new Kalina fire control system is clearly superior to the 1A45T Irtysh of the T-90A tank.
Expert commentary
The example of the modernized T-90S main battle tank shown at the REA-2011 arms exhibition was aimed primarily at foreign customers, so some of the systems mounted on it were export-designed. In this regard, I would like to point out to the author that the 125-mm 2A82 cannon is not installed on an export tank; it is equipped with a 2A46M-5 gun.As for the dynamic protection kit, 4S22 elements are installed on this tank, since 4S23 is prohibited for export.
The author complains in vain about the lack of an active protection complex for the Arena-E tank, since it can be installed at the request of the customer. In the same way, at the customer’s request, the TSHU-1-2M system can be installed. In addition, the modernized T-90S is equipped with the SPMZ-2E electromagnetic protection system (EMZ) against mines with magnetic fuses.
Regarding the power block. For now, the tank is equipped with a V-93 engine with a power of 1100 hp. It does not have an automatic transmission (automatic transmission), but has an automatic gear shifter.
Now let's try to analyze all these points. What has been done and what theoretically, in my opinion, could be done. So, let's begin.
New tower with a developed aft niche
How it's done. At first glance, the turret looks vulnerable compared to the T-90A or T-72B turrets. Most likely, this is true. The T-72B and T-90A turrets were relatively small in size and had a special shape. The aft vulnerable part of the turret was narrowed and covered by a powerful armored front part within the heading angles of ±30º. And even such towers managed to be penetrated by RPGs and ATGMs into the most vulnerable aft zones. Needless to say, getting into the aft or side part of a tower, which is the size of a tower, will not be a problem at all. Thus, in terms of security, the rear part of the T-90MS turret is inferior to the security of the turrets of all previous tanks of the T-72 model line.
It would seem like an obvious regression? Not at all. The fact is that the result of penetration of the aft or rear side part of the T-72B turret, very often, was the fire or detonation of the ammunition load (AM) and, accordingly, the partially or completely killed crew. It's all about the location of the ammunition: in all tanks of the T-72 series, as well as in the T-90, T-90S and T-90A, only 22 rounds of separate cartridge loading are located under the fighting compartment (CS) floor in the autoloader (AZ) of the carousel type. This carousel, in contrast to the loading mechanism (MZ) of the T-64 and T-80 tanks, is relatively well protected: in front by the most powerful frontal armor of the hull, in the rear by the engine, and on the sides by road wheels and side screens. In addition, the “terrain screen” itself rarely allows you to hit a tank in the lower part of the battle regiment.
The problem was mainly in the placement of the rest of the BC. These 23-26 rounds with shells or missile launchers were located literally everywhere: on the floor, on the walls of the hull and almost throughout the entire rear hemisphere of the turret. The limited internal space of the T-72 tank simply does not allow placing this firepower, which does not fit into the AZ carousel, anywhere else. As a result, this “non-mechanized” ammunition most often catches fire or detonates – depending on your luck (which is worse is not yet known).
One could argue that on the old tanks T-34-85, KV-85, T-54, T-55, IS-3 and T-10, the ammunition load was approximately the same. In this case, comparison is inappropriate. The ammunition of these tanks consisted of unitary rounds. The gunpowder charge was placed in a metal sleeve and the fire hazard of these old machines was incomparably lower. And the charges in the partially burning T-72 cartridge case are ready to blaze from any touch of the cumulative jet.
The way out of this situation may be this: do not take into battle that part of the ammunition that is located in a non-mechanized ammunition rack. But then you will have to rely only on those 22 shots in the AZ carousel. This is often what they did. But this, of course, does not suit either tankers or self-respecting designers. The problem was finally solved in the T-90MS tank: the carousel for 22 shots was left, additionally protected by local armor, and the remaining 18 shots were placed in the rear niche of the turret, equipped with ejection panels following the example of the Abrams and Leopard-2. If you wish, you also don’t have to take these 18 shots with you. In urban combat conditions, it would probably be better to do so.
Eventually: despite the fact that the T-90MS turret has become more vulnerable to enemy fire compared to the turrets of its predecessors - or the T-90A, the level of survivability of the tank, and more importantly, the survivability of the crew, has become incomparably higher. The level of survivability of the T-90MS and the survival rate of its crew in the event of a tank defeat, in principle, began to correspond to Western tanks. Another advantage of such a turret is greater comfort and greater internal space in the habitable compartment of the tank.
T-90MS turret aft niche
How could it be done. Apparently not. If you do not take into account some extravagant new items, then other technical solutions are not suitable for this tank. The old Soviet layout with the placement of the entire BC along with the crew has become obsolete. And placing the ENTIRE ammunition in the aft niche following the example of the Abrams is, from some point of view, unreasonable and within a given mass of 50 tons is practically impossible. So Test .
Expert commentary
The author is very mistaken in drawing conclusions about the reduced security of the turret of the new tank. The turret, when projected onto a plane, still provides protection within heading angles of 30 degrees, and is securely covered from the stern by an armored box.In general, the fighting compartment of the modernized T-90S tank, including the turret, is much less vulnerable than that of its predecessors. In other words, the whole point about the new tank turret contains a lot of reasoning about something that doesn’t exist.
Clarification on the location of ammunition. There are 22 shots in the automatic loader, 8 shots in a non-mechanized stowage near the MTO partition, and another 10 shots in an armored box isolated from the fighting compartment at the rear of the turret.
New 125 mm 2A82 gun
How it's done. The most powerful 125-mm smoothbore gun of the latest design, 2A82, is a completely new development. It is believed that this gun is significantly superior to the previous 125 mm 2A46 series guns, 122 mm rifled 2A17 and 120 mm NATO Rheinmetall guns with barrel lengths of 44 and 55 calibers. The 2A82 surpasses them both in accuracy and in fire power. The same applies to the Chinese 125-mm gun of the ZTZ-99A2 (Type-99A2) tank, which is just an improved “pirate” version of the 2A46.
However, the T-90MS can apparently also be equipped with the previous 125-mm 2A46M5 cannon, which is installed on the T-90A. From this we can conclude that tanks with the new 2A82 cannon will be supplied to the Russian army, and tanks supplied for export will be equipped with the 2A46M5. At the same time, knowing the realities of today, it is possible that everything will be done exactly the opposite.
How could it be done? Numerous experimental electrochemical and electromagnetic guns have not yet reached the stage of installing them in a real tank, so we immediately discard them. Alternatively, it would be possible to install a new 140 mm or 152 mm gun on the T-90MS (for example, from the “292 object”). But, in addition to technical difficulties, this could provoke Western countries to similar modernization of their tanks, which means a new round of caliber race. So at this stage we decided to develop the 125 mm caliber for now, which has not yet fully revealed its full potential. And 140-152 mm guns were left in reserve. Test .
Expert commentary
It is completely incomprehensible why the author suddenly describes the possibility of installing the 2A82 gun on export tanks. I repeat that this gun is not ammunition compatible with the 2A46 modifications and is prohibited for export.As for the powerful 152-mm 2A83 gun, which the author proposes to install on the T-90, this is impossible.
New dynamic protection "Relic"
How it's done. Dynamic protection of the new generation "Relic" belongs to the built-in type of dynamic protection. It increases the resistance of armor to cumulative ammunition by 2 times and resistance to sub-caliber armor-piercing projectiles by 1.5. From the front and top, the DZ closes the tank tightly and without gaps. Weakened zones near the gun are also covered by remote sensing elements. The roof over the driver's hatch is also closed. This is a test. But there is also a “fly in the ointment”: the lower frontal sheet does not have it. This is a miscalculation - the tank can be penetrated into the lower frontal plate. The T-72B had at least one row of Kontakt-1 NDZ there. The T-90MS has nothing, although theoretically it is possible to install hinged screens there.
Next is the side of the hull. It is closed all the way to the MTO, just like the T-72B, and then there is a lattice screen. The T-72B only had rubber-fabric screens, so this solution for the T-90MS is much better. Let me explain. The rubber-fabric screens of the T-72B and T-72A simply initiated the detonation of the cumulative warhead (warhead) of a rocket-propelled grenade at some distance from the main side armor (70 mm). The lattice screen breaks the body of a rocket-propelled grenade or ATGM; they are destroyed on these sharp bars. The warhead may not work at all.
The side of the tower - things are not so good here. The T-72B's turret was closed with remote protection up to half its length. The role of anti-cumulative screens of the rear hemisphere was played by spare parts boxes and OPVT elements. The T-90MS has a large and long turret, there is no remote control niche on the sides of the rear, but there is an ammunition rack there. Another vulnerable area is the rear hull plate and the rear of the turret. There were cases when a rocket-propelled grenade hit the rear plate of the hull and pierced the MTO right through the engine and hit the fighting compartment of the tank, and there were people and ammunition. It is not noticeable that the designers paid any attention to this important aspect of protection on the new T-90MS tank. In terms of resistance to impacts to the rear of the hull, it is no better than the basic T-72 Ural.
How could it be done? Protect the turret and hull along the entire perimeter, including the lower frontal part of the hull, with elements of the Relikt protection system. This will increase the mass of the tank only slightly, but the protection will become much stronger, and most importantly - from all sides, which plays a huge role in urban battles. In general, despite obvious progress, it is impossible to give an unambiguous CREDIT. Although it was also a clear failure.
Expert commentary
Regarding the alleged “miscalculation” of the designers who did not protect the lower frontal part of the hull. I would like to inform the author that the NLD accounts for less than one percent of hits - even based on the experience of fighting in flat desert areas. At the same time, the elements of dynamic protection installed on the NLD are definitely damaged when performing any lengthy march off roads.
The tank does not have the KAZT Arena-E active protection system
How it's done. The newest T-90MS tank does not have KAZT, but similar systems were installed on the old T-55AD and T-62D tanks. It’s sad that such a complex necessary for the tank is missing.
How could it be done? Install the latest KAZT on the T-90MS. Expensive? The cost of a T-90MS tank blown up by an ATGM or RPG is even greater, not to mention the lives of the tankers. Failure .
Expert commentary
Again, I repeat: this is a question for the customer. If there is an order for equipment, a full-fledged KAZT will be installed on the tank without any problems: for the Russian army it is “Afganit”, and for export deliveries it is “Arena-E”. Both complexes are interfaced with the Kalina fire control system.
The KOEP “Shtora” optical-electronic suppression kit is not available on the tank.
How it's done. The T-90MS does not have the Shtora KOEP, although it is present on previous models of the T-90, T-90A, T-90S and even on the Iraqi T-72M1. But not here. Meanwhile, the thing is useful because it significantly reduces the likelihood of guided missiles hitting the tank.
How could it be done? Install the KOEP Shtora-1 on the tank. Just not instead of the remote sensing elements, as was unsuccessfully done with the T-90A, but on them. Failure
.
Expert commentary
The same as above: at the customer’s request, this system can be installed on the tank without any problems.
Rigid armored hull bulwark with elements of the Relikt remote sensing device and lattice screens
How it's done. Finally, our tank received a normal hard armored bulwark, also generously “flavored” with elements of dynamic protection. This is not the case either on previous modifications or on the T-72B tanks.
In order to create something ultra-modern, you need to catch the correct trend, “where the wind blows,” so to speak, and then apply a ruler to this correct vector and extend the line by 10 lengths of this vector. An example is the IS-2 heavy tank. How did it turn out? Our designers caught the trend towards increasing the caliber of tank guns: from 45 mm, to 76 mm and, subsequently, to 85 mm, and for the Germans - from 50 mm to 75 mm and, finally, to 88 mm. Not following the saying “a teaspoon per hour,” but simply taking and applying a ruler to this vector and “extending” it, they immediately installed a powerful 122-mm gun, which provided the IS-2 with simply overwhelming superiority in firepower over any tank in the world. period.
But, unfortunately, this correct approach to design for some reason did not extend to on-board screens. Let me explain to the reader the meaning and purpose of the on-board screen. Its essence is that the screen initiates the activation of a cumulative warhead at such a distance from the main armor when its penetrating power drops sharply. If the screen is of a rigid structure and metal, then it also reduces the penetration of kinetic ammunition, since it can change the angle of contact of the projectile with the main armor, tear off the “Makarov tip” from it, or simply damage the core.
Rigid steel screens made of armor 10-20 mm thick appeared during the Second World War on the German Pz.IV and Pz.V “Panther” tanks, the British “Churchill” and “Centurion”. They were also found on domestic T-28 and T-35 tanks. Since then, our Western neighbors have been in no hurry to abandon them.
It’s paradoxical, but true - despite the fact that these screens appeared on domestic tanks (T-28 and T-35) in step with the times, their further use and elements of their design in domestic combat vehicles followed a dubious path of development. While most Western tanks had developed and quite “adult” side screens, which were already an integral part of their spaced side armor, this was the case with us.
On the post-war T-54, T-55 and T-62 there were no side screens at all. Their entire side armor consisted of the actual armored side of the hull, 80 mm thick, which was somewhat shielded by relatively large road wheels. Thus, these types of tanks were easy targets even for first-generation RPGs. On the IS-3M and a series of powerful tanks of the T-10 family there were such “embryos” of side screens that only slightly covered the side from above.
Next is the new generation tank T-64A. It had six “skinny” rotating “windows” with dubious efficiency. The same thing happened on the first T-72s. The next stage in the long-suffering path of development of side screens for domestic tanks appeared on. They finally have a solid 10mm side screen, BUT - rubber-fabric! It is clear that such screens, with a small gain in weight compared to metal ones, provide almost no protection from kinetic projectiles, are very easily damaged and come off, exposing the weakly armored side of the hull. I’m not even talking about how such a screen looks after several touches on obstacles or hits (and the tank as a whole).
The next stage of evolution is the T-72B tank. It has the same rubber-fabric screen as the T-72A, but “boxes” of 4S20 Kontakt-1 dynamic protection elements were hung on it over the entire area (up to the MTO zone). This significantly enhanced the protection of the side projection of the T-72B tank. But not everything is as good as it seems: the weight of the resulting structure turned out to be large, the thin rubber-fabric screen bends under the weight of the NDZ blocks. After two or three hits from an RPG or ATGM, this whole “economy” can simply fall off with all the ensuing consequences.
On the T-64BV, force screens were introduced under the on-board elements of the NDZ. This improved the appearance, but the strength – almost none.
Finally we come to the “flying” T-80U tank. It received an almost normal side shield - 10-mm armor with Kontakt-5 dynamic protection elements built into it. Why "almost"? Because all this “wealth” reaches only half the length of the hull, and even the vulnerable ammunition rack of the T-80U is not completely covered by a powerful screen. Next to the stern there is the same rubber-fabric screen as on the T-72A or T-80.
The T-90 series is generally a regression and a return almost to the T-72A. Instead of the relatively normal side screens of the T-80U, T-72B and T-64BV, the T-90 has the same screen as the T-72A, and six such “squares” of armor - three on each side. Moreover, they cover not the middle of the hull opposite the ammunition rack, which would be logical, but its front part. Strange design. When the enemy is everywhere, you won’t be able to turn your head towards him.
And finally, the T-90MS appeared. It has a normal armored side screen with bars opposite the MTO. Everything is correct.
How could it be done? Everything was as it should be, but it should have been done FORTY years ago - on the T-72 “Ural” tank! But still - Test.
Old British Centurion tank. The 16mm thick steel side screens do not bend and make the appearance of this tank “powerful” and quite decent. Good example
The place of the anti-aircraft installation with a large-caliber 12.7-mm NSVT machine gun was taken by a new remote installation with a 7.62-mm 6P7K machine gun
How it's done. The design of domestic medium and main battle tanks is interesting because, while the quality of the main weapons was constantly improving, there was no progress in the auxiliary ones. Auxiliary weapons have remained virtually unchanged for decades. The period of searches and experiments in this area for medium tanks remained in the distant past of the war and pre-war years. From the T-55 to the T-90A, secondary armament consists of a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun and an anti-aircraft mount with a 12.7 mm machine gun on the turret roof. Of course, this scheme is outdated and needs to be changed.
Such an attempt was made on the T-90MS tank, but it was unsuccessful. At the cost of abandoning a large-caliber anti-aircraft gun, the designers tried to adapt the tank to combat in urban environments and provide the ability to effectively combat enemy personnel, primarily grenade launchers. To do this, instead of a 12.7 mm machine gun, they installed a more “nimble” and maneuverable anti-personnel machine gun mount with a 7.62 mm machine gun and very large vertical pointing angles.
What happened? Regarding the anti-aircraft component. In case of an air threat, the T-72B tank had at its disposal two echelons of air defense:
1. Long-range - provided with guided missiles, allowed to fight helicopters and other low-speed air targets, range from 1.5-2 to 4-5 km.
2. If the target broke through closer, then a short-range echelon came into action - an anti-aircraft gun with a 12.7-mm NSVT "Utes" machine gun. It operated at ranges of up to 2–2.5 km. Everything is quite logical. The T-90A tank had an even more advanced remote-controlled anti-aircraft gun, similar to the T-64 and T-80UD.
But for the T-90MS tank, this near echelon was “cut off,” which, without a doubt, worsened its protective anti-aircraft properties. A 7.62 mm bullet is unlikely to cause any serious damage to a modern attack helicopter, much less shoot it down. But maybe now the tank will successfully fight enemy infantry hidden in the urban jungle? Also no. The main problem for a tank in such a situation is to see the enemy in the window opening.
At the training ground, living force is imitated by bright and multi-colored balloons that hang in window openings. It is not difficult to guess that a real grenade launcher will not show off in the window opening with a grenade launcher at the ready in front of the muzzle of a tank gun pointed at him. He will hide next to the window, behind the wall and look out occasionally, being absolutely sure that the tank crew does not see him, and wait for the right moment.
Now any devices capable of seeing through concrete walls, like X-rays, have not yet been invented, and therefore there is only one way out for a tank - to shoot a high-explosive fragmentation shell at an empty window, where the enemy is supposed to be located. Sometimes it helps when they guess right, but no amount of ammunition is enough to shoot through all the windows, doors and hatches. There is also a way to shoot a machine gun at the wall next to the window or under the windowsill. If the enemy is hiding there, he will be defeated. But for this the bullet must pierce the wall of the house. Can a 7.62-mm bullet from a coaxial machine gun or an anti-personnel installation from a T-90MS tank do this? Hardly. This means there will be almost no sense from it. But the 12.7 mm bullet from NSVT is quite capable of this. Conclusion: the new remote installation looks nice, but - Fail.
How could it be done? The T-64A main battle tank “grew” from the T-64 medium tank, which, in turn, was a revolutionary vehicle that incorporated the latest achievements in design and industry, as well as the best technical solutions of Soviet medium and heavy tanks.
T-10M is a cold and precise death machine. The most powerful tank in the world of the 50s - early 60s of the XX century. It was approximately the same size as the Abrams and had the optimal combination of high mobility, powerful armor protection and enormous firepower while weighing 51.5 tons
Why did I suddenly mention heavy tanks? Because for a long time the Soviet army was armed with an exceptionally powerful and advanced tank, the encounter with which in battle would most likely have been the last for any other tank of that time. Its name is T-10M. A powerful, 52-ton beauty, produced in the amount of 8,000 units and stood in service with the Soviet army for about 40 years. This tank had many technical solutions that distinguished it favorably from medium tanks and from main battle tanks too (not excluding the T-90MS).
The T-10M's auxiliary armament consisted of a 14.5-mm KPVT machine gun coaxial with a cannon and another of the same in an anti-aircraft mount on the roof of the turret. The armor-piercing 14.5-mm B-32 bullet from a distance of 500 m calmly penetrates 32 mm thick armor along the normal line. The total rate of fire of both machine guns is 1200 rounds per minute. This allowed the T-10M tank to “cut” in half any armored personnel carrier or infantry fighting vehicle without any problems, without even resorting to using the main 122-mm M-62-T2S gun. Such machine guns also penetrate concrete walls of houses and shelters with a bang.
Thus, in terms of firepower, the T-10M was fully adapted to urban warfare. If necessary, he could “cut through” the wall along the entire floor where the enemy could be hiding. The same machine guns had to be installed on the T-90MS. At least one - in an anti-aircraft installation on the roof. For a machine gun coaxial with a cannon, there is a good alternative - the 12.7 mm YakB-12.7 machine gun from the shock.
USPU-24 installation with a 4-barrel 12.7 mm YakB-12.7 machine gun
This machine gun fires 5,000 rounds per minute and is air-cooled - just what the T-90MS needs. If the tank had one such 12.7-mm “lawn mower” and a powerful 14.5-mm KPVT machine gun in the anti-aircraft mount, the issue of air defense and operations in dense urban areas for the T-90MS with its equipment would have been resolved.
If there is an independent vertical guidance system for a 4-barrel 12.7 mm YakB-12.7 machine gun paired with a 125 mm 2A82 cannon, the tank will have all the qualities of the widely advertised BMPT and will not lose the main advantage of the tank - a powerful gun. By the way, the BMPT is not the first vehicle of this class in the world. If we analyze, the T-28 and T-35 are the direct ideological ancestors of the BMPT.
Expert commentary
A lot of words for empty reasons. Let the author know: on the remote installation platform of the modernized T-90S tank, in addition to the PKT, you can also install a 12.7 mm machine gun and a 30 mm AGS grenade launcher, depending on the customer’s wishes. Moreover, the digital ballistic path of the Kalina fire control system makes it possible to replace remotely mounted weapons in the field, depending on the assigned tasks.
More powerful V-92S2F2 engine with automatic transmission
How it's done. The engine produces 1130 hp, which is an increase of 130 hp. more than the previous T-90A tank (1000 hp). Initially there were rumors that the engine would have a power of 1200 hp, but apparently it was never achieved. The engine has a pleasant, smooth operating sound and provides the T-90MS with a specific power of 23 hp/t. The maximum speed of the tank on the highway is 60-65 km/h. This is not bad, but not the best indicator either.
To live up to the saying “the armor is strong and our tanks are fast...” the T-90MS must accelerate to at least 70-75 km/h. A lighter tank should be faster than heavy Western ones. And to bring the mobility performance of the T-90MS to the level of the T-80, it doesn’t even need an engine, but, most likely, it will be enough to remake the transmission. For example, the T-80BV tank weighs 43.7 tons and has an engine power of 1100 hp. accelerates to 80 km/h. What prevents the T-90MS from driving the same way? The engine is normal. This means that the transmission needs to be improved.
How could it be done? The limited maintenance capacity of the T-72 tank makes increasing engine power a difficult task. The same applies to the hull of the T-90MS tank, which is a direct successor to the T-72. It is necessary to improve the tank's transmission, which was done, and to select the correct gear ratios. So it doesn't matter - Test.
Few issues related to the armament of the Russian army do not cause such heated debate as the future of domestic armored forces. Experts, journalists, professional military personnel and simply people interested in military affairs are participating in a furious discussion. Articles on this topic regularly appear in the Russian media. Representatives of the top leadership of the Russian army do not tire of adding fuel to the fire.
There are debates about the potential of Russian combat vehicles, as well as their comparison with foreign counterparts. In 2011, the then Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Ground Forces, Colonel General Postnikov, spoke extremely unflatteringly about the characteristics of the T-90 tank, comparing them with the performance of the main German Leopard-2 tank. According to him, the T-90 is not a technical breakthrough, but just another modernization of the T-72, in which there is nothing fundamentally new. He also mentioned that, in his opinion, the price of a Russian tank is too high - for 120 million rubles (this is the price of one T-90) you can buy several Leopard 2A7 tanks. On the other hand, many experts call the T-90 the bestto datethe main tank in the world. Where is the truth?
The T-90 tank is a continuation of the T-72 and T-80 family of vehicles. Its development and testing began in the late 80s of the last century, and it was put into service in 1992. The car does not contain any revolutionary innovations; conceptually it continues earlier cars. Of course, many changes were made to the design of the T-90: the fire control system and protection were improved, the vehicle received more advanced multi-layer armor and built-in dynamic protection, but we can say that the T-90 is just the most modern modernization of the T-72.
History of the creation of the T-90:
In 1985, mass production of the new T-72B tank began - but already at that time the tank was obsolete in comparison with advanced foreign analogues. This was especially true for the fire control system; in this regard, it lost not only to the Leopard and Abrams, but even to the new Soviet tanks. Therefore, immediately after the start of serial production of the T-72B, work began on its modernization.
The 1A45 “Irtysh” fire control system (FCS) was installed on the vehicle; it was well tested on T-80 tanks), it was combined with the tank’s automatic loader. The latest optical-electronic suppression complex (KOEP) “Shtora” was also installed, which protected the vehicle from anti-tank weapons, especially those using laser guidance. It cannot be said that the new tank was a breakthrough in its technical characteristics, but the protection and firepower of the vehicle were increased.
In 1989, state testing of the tank began at several training grounds in different parts of the USSR. The tests turned out to be especially difficult in Central Asia, in conditions of high temperature, sand and dust. In 1992, the tests were successfully completed, and the new vehicle was put into service. In the same year, mass production of the vehicle began, designated T-90. After the tragic death of Vladimir Ivanovich Potkin, the chief designer of this model, the T-90 was named “Vladimir” in his honor.
The T-90 of various modifications has become the most popular and best-selling Russian tank on the world market. Until 1998, 120 tanks of this type were manufactured for the Russian Ministry of Defense. In 2004, work began on modernizing the T-90, which resulted in the appearance of the T-90A and T-90AK vehicles (they featured a more powerful engine, a new welded turret, an improved thermal imaging sight and a new gun stabilizer). The latest modification of the T-90 is the T-90AM tank, which is equipped with a new Kalina fire control system, an upgraded gun, a new automatic loader and a more powerful engine.
During the production of the T-90, several export modifications of the tank were created, which took into account customer requirements. The Russian Ministry of Defense has stopped purchasing the vehicle since the end of 2011.
Structure of the T-90 tank
The T-90 main battle tank has a classic layout: the control compartment is located in the bow, the fighting compartment is in the middle of the vehicle, and the engine and transmission are in the rear of the tank. The crew consists of three people: the driver is in the control compartment, and the commander and gunner are inside the turret, to the left and right of the gun.
The tank's hull is made of welded armor, the frontal part of the vehicle consists of multi-layer armor using composite materials and with built-in dynamic protection.
The main armament of the T-90 is a 125 mm smoothbore gun. The gun is equipped with a stabilizer, a chrome-plated barrel, and has systems for recording barrel deformation and pumping out powder gases. The length of the gun is 48 calibers. The gun's rate of fire reaches 8 shots in 56 seconds. The T-90 is also armed with a coaxial machine gun and an anti-aircraft gun (NSVT "Utes").
The tank's ammunition load is 43 rounds and includes various types of ammunition: 3BM42 armor-piercing sabot shells, 3BK29M armor-piercing cumulative shells, high-explosive fragmentation shells with an electronic remote fuse (increases the effectiveness of the fight against enemy personnel located in shelters), as well as 9M119 ATGM. The firing range of anti-tank missiles ranges from 100 to 5000 meters. No tank in the world has ammunition with such a range.
The T-90 is equipped with a four-stroke 12-cylinder diesel engine; in later versions of the vehicle it was replaced with a more advanced engine with a turbocharger, which increased its power from 840 hp. up to 1000 hp The engine provides greater mobility and maneuverability of the tank; it is not for nothing that the T-90 is called the “Russian flying tank.” The transmission is planetary type, there are 7 forward gears and one reverse gear.
The fire control system makes shooting as easy as possible. All data (firing range, wind direction and speed, air temperature, tank position) for firing are taken into account automatically and the gunner simply needs to aim the sight at the target and press the fire button. The tank is equipped with a Buran-PA night sight, as well as an Agat-S sighting system for the tank commander.
The T-90 is protected by multi-layer armor with built-in Kontakt-5 dynamic protection. The Shtora-1 optical-electronic countermeasures system protects the vehicle from anti-tank weapons with a semi-automatic guidance system or laser homing. Laser radiation sensors ensure its reception within a 360° radius, the data is quickly processed, and an aerosol grenade is fired in the desired direction, blocking the laser beam. The tank has a modern fire extinguishing system.
The vulnerable point of protection of the T-90 tank is its fuel system. The fuel tanks are partially located in the combat compartment and are in no way separated from the crew. Another problem with this vehicle is the placement of ammunition inside the fighting compartment, while it is also not isolated from the crew. Its detonation is guaranteed to lead to the destruction of the tank.
The T-90 uses the chassis of the T-72 tank. In combination with a new engine, reliable transmission and low weight of the machine, it provides high mobility and maneuverability. Due to its ability to effectively overcome obstacles, some Western experts call the T-90 a “flying tank.”
Main performance characteristics of the T-90 tank
| Main characteristics | |
| Crew composition | 3 persons |
| Tank weight, t | 46,5 |
| Length, m | 6,86 |
| Tank hull width, m | 3,78 |
| Tower hatch height, m | 2,23 |
| Engine power, hp | 800/1000 l. With. (diesel) |
| Number of cylinders | 12 |
| Cooling | Liquid |
| Transmission | |
| Type: mechanical | Two final drives, input gearbox and coaxial final drives |
| Number of gears (forward/reverse) | 7/1 |
| Diesel fuel tank life on the highway; capacity | 550 km; 1200 l |
| With mounted tanks; capacity | 700 km; 400 l |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km | 240-450 |
| Chassis | |
| Suspension | Torsion bar |
| Highway speed, km/h | 60 |
| Speed on arable land, km/h | 50 |
| Obstacle elevation angle | 30 degrees |
| Obstacle barrier, m | 0,8 |
| Barrier ditch, m | 2,8 |
| Barrier ford, m | 1,2 (1,8) |
| Tank armament | |
| Gun type; caliber | Smoothbore; 125 mm |
| Guided missiles | |
| Firing range | 5 km |
| Loading | Automatic, manual |
| Number of ammunition, pcs. | 42 (22 rounds in the automatic loader) |
| Rate of fire | 8 rounds per minute |
| Ammunition types | BPS, BKS, OFS, UR |
| Coaxial machine gun | PTKM 7.62 mm; 2000 rounds |
| Heavy machine gun | CORD 12.7 mm; 300 rounds |
| Protection | |
| Multi-layer combined armor, with Kontakt-5 dynamic protection. KOEP "SHTORA-1" | |
Advantages and disadvantages of the T-90
The T-90 tank is truly a modern tank with characteristics that are not inferior to their foreign counterparts. Its strengths are good mobility and maneuverability, reliability of the engine and chassis, as well as a good level of security. The relatively light weight of the tank and its dimensions make the vehicle less vulnerable to enemy fire.
The negative aspects of the T-90 include the location of the ammunition and fuel tanks next to the crew. ERA is ineffective against tandem munitions (although the tank's protection system is effective against most anti-tank weapons). The fire control system on early modifications is outdated, although the Kalina fire control system installed on the latest models is not inferior to foreign analogues. The tank's disadvantage is also its low reverse speed.
The undoubted advantage of the T-90 is the ability to fire guided missiles at a range of up to 5000 meters.
Modifications of the T-90 tank:
- T-90S - a machine made for export
- T-90SK - command version of the T-90S
- T-90K - T-90 command tank, the vehicle is equipped with additional communications and navigation equipment
- T-90A - a vehicle with a more powerful power plant, a welded turret, a new automatic loader and a new thermal imaging sight
- T-90AK - command T-90A
- T-90SA - export version of T-90A
- T-90SKA - command version of the T-90SA
- T-90AM is the latest modification of the T-90A. The Kalina control system, a new automatic loader and a new Relikt remote control system and a V-92S2F power plant (1130 hp) were installed.
There is a whole range of vehicles developed on the basis of the T-90 - for carrying out sapper work, bridge layers, recovery vehicles. The T-90 is in service with several countries around the world.
Video about T-90
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A modern army cannot exist without constant updating of military equipment and weapons. This statement also applies to heavy armored vehicles. Despite expert forecasts that in the near future tanks will completely disappear from the battlefield, at the moment they sometimes play a decisive role in armed confrontations. A clear example is the war in Iraq, when it was precisely due to the firepower and mobility of its tank units that the US Army was able to rapidly advance from the borders of the country to its capital.
Russia has the most advanced technologies in space development, but what can its army oppose in a ground confrontation? Quite often in various media you can find critical statements that the T-90 tank in its current form does not meet the requirements for a modern combat vehicle. The Germans believe that their modern “Leopard” is the best in the world and in confrontation it has no equal, and certainly not its competitor, the Russian T-90. Unfortunately, not only the Germans claim that our tank is morally and technically outdated; Alexander Postnikov, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Ground Forces, also stated this. In his statement at the beginning of March, he spoke in an extremely disparaging manner about the technical data of the tank, which has nothing modern, and in reality it is just another modification of the Soviet T-72, which was created back in 1973. Of course, such words, and even from the mouth of a high-ranking official, give reason to think: is the T-90 any good compared to foreign models of similar military equipment? To get the answer, let's look at the basic data of the T-90 and the German Leopard, as one of the main competitors.
Tank protection
T-90 has sharply differentiated ballistic armor protection. The main material used to make the tank hull is armor steel. To protect the frontal part of the turret, as well as the frontal plate of the hull, multilayer composite armor is used. The shape of the vehicle's armored hull and its layout have remained virtually unchanged compared to the T-72, but protection has increased compared to its predecessor due to the use of modern composite armor. Exact booking details remain confidential. The resistance of the armor against fire from sub-caliber armor-piercing finned projectiles, taking into account the built-in modern dynamic protection, is estimated as equivalent to 800-830 mm of armor steel. The armor resistance of the hull and turret when fired with cumulative ammunition is estimated at 1150-1350 mm. The indicated data refers to the maximum level of armor, namely the frontal part of the hull and turret, but the tank also has weakened zones: the area of the driver-mechanic’s viewing device, as well as sections of the turret on the sides of the gun embrasure. In addition to traditional armor and dynamic protection, the tank is equipped with an active protection system, which consists of a modern Shtora-1 electro-optical suppression complex. The main purpose of the complex is protection against damage from anti-tank guided missiles. It includes an electro-optical suppression station and a system for installing external camouflage curtains.
"Leopard" unlike the T-90, it has a much lower degree of protection. First of all, this is due to the requirement of the army leadership in terms of maintaining the total weight at 50 tons. An increase in the level of protection was achieved through the use of modern welded structures of the turret and hull using multi-layer armor, as well as a set of improved design and layout measures. By weakening the armor level of the hull and turret roof, as well as the sides, the thickness of the armor on the frontal fragments has been increased. The upper frontal plate of the tank hull has a significant angle of inclination (81°), the turret is made in a wedge shape. The frontal armor provides the equivalent of sheet armor of about 1000 mm when fired by cumulative ammunition and 700 mm when fired by armor-piercing sub-caliber ammunition. The tank is equipped with a high-speed automatic NPO system and smoke grenade launchers, the charges of which are painted with special dyes. One of the recognized advantages is the high degree of protection for the crew when the armor is damaged. This is due to the fact that the ammunition and fuel are reliably isolated from the crew. The combat stowage is equipped with folding plates that release the explosion energy outward. A number of elements used in the design also serve as additional protection. The fuel tanks are located in the front, most protected part of the fenders, which reduces the likelihood of hitting the driver-mechanic when fired from the sides. The sides of the hull are additionally protected by rubber screens and reinforced with armor plates.
Armament
The main armament of the Russian T-90 is a smooth-bore 125-mm 2A46M cannon with a barrel length of 48 calibers / 6000 mm, which is located in the front part of the turret in a coaxial mounting with a large-caliber machine gun on trunnions and stabilized in two parallel planes by the 2E42-4 “Jasmine” system. The gun is equipped with an automatic loader and has the ability to fire guided weapons. When firing armor-piercing cumulative and sub-caliber ammunition, the maximum sighting range is 4000 m, guided missile ammunition - 5000 m, high-explosive fragmentation ammunition - up to 10,000 m. In addition to the widely used artillery weapons, the tank has the ability to fire anti-tank guided missiles of the 9M119M system. Missiles are launched using the main gun, missiles are guided by a laser beam in manual or semi-automatic mode. The guided weapon system allows firing with a probability of hitting a target close to one at moving at a speed of up to 70 km/h or stationary targets at a distance from 100 to 5000 m, in a static position of the tank or in motion at a speed of no more than 30 km/h. To conduct targeted fire in conditions of poor visibility and at night, the tank uses the Essa sight, which is integrated with a Catherine-FC thermal imaging camera. The sighting system consists of a thermal imaging camera, which is stabilized in two planes. Using the camera, the tank commander and gunner can continuously monitor the terrain from separate screens, as well as perform precise weapon control using a standard shot control system.
Main weapons of the Leopard is a 120 mm smoothbore gun. The length of the gun barrel is 5520 mm. Aimed firing range: in a static position - 3,500 m, in motion - 2,500 m. The main sight is EMES-12, which was developed by Zeiss specifically for this tank model. The sight consists of built-in laser and stereoscopic rangefinders. The combination of two different rangefinders allows you to increase the accuracy and reliability of measuring the distance to the target. As auxiliary equipment, the gunner can use a monocular periscope sight model - TZF-1A. The tank commander has a periscopic panoramic sight of the PERI-R-12 model, which has a stabilized line of sight. The tank commander has the ability to independently direct the gun, for which a mechanism is used to synchronize the axis of the gun barrel and the optical axis of the sight. For observation in conditions of poor visibility and at night, observation devices with optical-electronic amplifiers and active IR night observation devices are used. The FLER-H computer fire control systems generate firing data taking into account the distance to the target, atmospheric conditions, the spatial position of the tank, and the type of ammunition. For accurate aiming, the gunner only needs to select a target and place a marker on it. To detect camouflaged targets, a special sensor is used that reacts to their thermal radiation.
Power units
On T-90 a diesel engine with a power of 840 hp (on some modifications the engine power is increased to 1000 hp) liquid-cooled B-84MS is installed. These diesel engines are truly multi-fuel and can run not only on diesel fuel, but also on kerosene and gasoline, without loss of power. The V-84MS collectors are equipped with special bellows that allow exhaust gases to be mixed with air, which not only improves the temperature conditions for reliable operation of the collectors, but also reduces the thermal visibility of the tank.
Power point "Leopard" combined into a single structural complex. The engine in the engine compartment is placed along the hull of the tank, and a fireproof partition is placed between the compartment itself and the fighting compartment. The tank is equipped with a multi-fuel V-shaped 12-cylinder four-stroke diesel engine MB 873 with a power of 1500 hp.
Bottom line
The characteristics listed above allow for a small comparison between the widely advertised German Leopard and the Russian T-90. It is obvious that our tank is much superior to the main German tank in terms of protection and armament. The only thing where the T-90 loses is in the power plant. This is due not only to the power advantage, but also to the amount of time required to change the engine. So, when repairing a T-90, mechanics will need about 6 hours to carry out a replacement, but in a German tank, 15 minutes are enough for this.
The advantage of the Russian tank is obvious, and given the fact that the T-90 can fire aimed fire at a distance of 5000 m, and the Leopard only 3000 m, there is little doubt that the German tank will even be able to approach the Russian one on the battlefield. In commercial terms, the T-90 also looks more attractive, its price is half that of the Leopard.
A modern army cannot be imagined without constantly updated military equipment and weapons. This also applies to heavy armored vehicles. Many experts predict the disappearance of tanks in the near future, but despite this, tanks sometimes play a decisive role in armed conflicts. A good example of this is the war in Iraq, during which the US Army, thanks to the mobility and firepower of tank units, was able to quickly advance from the borders to the capital. There are often statements in the media that the T-90 tank does not meet modern requirements for military equipment. The Germans claim that their modern Leopard tank is the best in the world, that it has no equal in opposition and that the Russian T-90 is not its rival. At the military exhibition IDEF-2011, held in Istanbul, the Otokar company presented a prototype of the Turkish Altay MBT, which should have the most advanced weapons and use modern technologies. Altay borrowed a lot from the Leopard 2A4 model.
Let's try to figure out how good the T-90 is in comparison with foreign models that have similar characteristics? Let's analyze the main characteristics of the T-90 and Leopard tanks, as the main competitor, as well as the latest development in the form of the Turkish Altai.
Protection system
The T-90 is equipped with sharply differentiated armor protection, which perfectly protects it from direct hits from projectiles. The main material used to create the tank body is armor steel. To ensure protection of the frontal plate with the turret, multilayer composite armor is used. The armored body of the vehicle has almost the same shape as the T-72. More detailed booking details are classified. The thickness of the armor steel is 800-830 mm equivalent and 1150-1350 mm equivalent in the frontal part of the turret and hull, respectively. It should be noted that the tank has weakened zones: the area of the viewing device, as well as parts of the turret on both sides. In addition to traditional armor and dynamic protection, the tank is equipped with an active protection system and has a modern Shtor-1 electro-optical suppression system, which deflects homing and guided missiles to the side, so not every projectile fired by the enemy will hit the target. This complex uses infrared emitters that interfere with the guidance systems of second-generation anti-tank guided missiles. Guidance, which is carried out using an infrared tracer, receives “exposure”, as a result of which the operator loses the point of guidance of his missile. Looking ahead, I will say that the comparable analogues do not have such a protection system, therefore, in a duel situation, neither the Turkish Altai nor the German Leopard will be able to withstand a homing or guided missile. "Leopard" has a lower degree of protection. This is due to maintaining the total weight of the machine in the region of 50 tons. The level of protection was slightly increased thanks to the use of welded modern structures, both the turret and the hull, which are made of multi-layer armor, as well as a set of measures to improve the design layout. Due to the weakening of the armor of the roof, turret and sides of the hull, the thickness of which is 700 mm equivalent, the thickness of the armor in the frontal part has been added, which is approximately 1000 mm equivalent. The tank has a high-speed automatic NPO system, as well as smoke grenade launchers, which are used to provide a high degree of protection for the crew in the event of armor damage.
The Turkish Altay tank has more massive armor compared to the Leopard, and this is not surprising, because the vehicle weighs 60 tons. The specific type of armor used is not yet known.
Armament
The T-90 is equipped with a 125-mm 2A46M smoothbore gun, which has a barrel length of 48 calibers, i.e. 6000 mm. The gun is installed in the front part of the tank turret, in a coaxial installation with a large-caliber machine gun and stabilized along two parallel planes using the 2E42-4 “Jasmine” system. There is an automatic charging system. When firing armor-piercing cumulative and sub-caliber projectiles, the maximum possible sighting range can be 4000 m, in the case of using guided missile ammunition, the maximum range is 5000 m, when firing high-explosive fragmentation projectiles - up to 10,000 m.
The T-90 has the ability to fire guided anti-tank missiles of the 9M119M system. When using a guided weapon system, it is possible to achieve a probability of hitting the target equal to one.
The Leopard is armed with a 120 mm smoothbore gun. The gun barrel has a length of 5520 mm. The target firing range is: stationary - 3,500 m, while moving - 2,500 m. Aiming is carried out using the EMES-12 system, which consists of built-in stereoscopic and laser rangefinders.
The Altai tank, like the Leopard, is armed with a 120 mm smoothbore gun, a remote-controlled weapons module with built-in stabilization and a 12.7 mm machine gun.
Tank power units
The T-90 is equipped with a diesel engine that develops a power of 840 hp. (on some modifications the power is increased to 1000 hp), with the V-84MS liquid cooling system. These engines are multi-fuel and can operate both on diesel fuel and without loss of power on gasoline or kerosene. The collectors of the V-84MS cooling system are based on special bellows that allow mixing exhaust gases with air, which not only improves the temperature conditions of the collectors, but also reduces the enemy’s thermal visibility of the tank.
The Leopard's power system is an integral structural complex. The tank's engine is located along its hull, and there is a fireproof partition between the compartment and the fighting compartment. “Leopard” is equipped with a multi-fuel V-shaped, 12-cylinder diesel engine model MB 873 with a developed power of 1500 hp.
Behavior of tanks during military trials
During military tests, the latest tank developed by Turkish designers, Altai, showed excellent shooting capabilities. After ten shots at improvised enemies who were located at a distance of three kilometers from the tank, we received eight accurate hits. If this action was performed at full speed, the result remained practically the same - seven hits. Turkish designers are confident that such shooting performance is one of the best in the world.
According to world experts, the tank has analogues that are in many ways superior to it - for example, the German Leopard tank. Like Altai, the Leopard can destroy the enemy at full speed, and is capable of doing this from a distance of four kilometers, which is a full kilometer more than the Turkish model. Firing accuracy is also higher, thanks to unique guided projectiles, for which the tank itself calculates the trajectory and flight speed, so it is almost impossible to miss.
In terms of firing range and accuracy, both Altai and Leopard are inferior to the T-90 tank developed by Russian designers. Like its foreign analogues, it is capable of destroying targets at full speed, while having almost absolute shooting accuracy, the range of which is two kilometers longer than its analogs - reaching six thousand meters. Another distinctive feature is the presence of high-strength armor. During testing, the T-90's armor was fired from 120 mm anti-tank guns.
Six shells were fired at the tank from a distance of two hundred meters, after which the vehicle arrived at the observation deck under its own power. Then, without any repairs, the side of the T-90 was fired at from a grenade launcher - the armor was also not penetrated. The comparable analogues do not have such a protection system, therefore, in a duel situation, neither the Turkish Altai nor the German Leopard will be able to withstand a homing or guided missile.
For a more convenient comparison, you can use the table
Model of tank |
Leopard 2 |
||
| Russia | Türkiye | Germany | |
"Uralvagonzavod" |
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Number of crew, people. |
|||
Length, (mm) |
|||
Width, (mm) |
|||
Height, (mm) |
|||
Combat weight, (t) |
|||
Engine |
V92S2 V12, diesel with turbocharger, power - 1000 hp. |
V12 diesel with turbocharging, power - 1500 hp. |
V12 diesel with turbocharging – 1500 hp. |
Specific power, (hp/t) |
|||
Fuel capacity, (l) |
|||
Cruising range on the highway, (km) |
|||
Speed, (km/h) |
|||
Type and caliber of main weapons, (mm) |
smoothbore launcher 2A46M-2, 125 |
smoothbore gun MKEK120, 120 |
Rheinmetall Rh-120, 120 smoothbore gun |
Armor, (type) |
cast steel, multi-layer, projectile-proof, combined |
Combined, anti-ballistic, multi-layer, |
anti-ballistic, multi-layer combined |
Ground clearance, (cm) |
The advantage of the T-90 tank is undeniable. We especially note that the T-90 can fire aimed fire at a distance of 5000 m, the Altay can only fire at 3000 m, and the Leopard can fire at 4000 m. Doubts arise as to whether the Turkish and German tanks will even be able to approach the Russian tank during the battle .
T-90 "Vladimir" - modern Russian main battle tank. Created in the late 1980s - early 1990s as a modernization of the T-72B tank, under the designation T-72BM, but was put into service in 1992 under the designation T-90. The T-90 index was assigned to the vehicle by personal order of the President of the Russian Federation. Small-scale production of the tank began in the same year; in total, as of 2010, the Russian army had about 250 T-90 tanks in service. In 2008-2009, according to the contract, 63 tanks were delivered annually. In 2010, production of 63 tanks was planned, and 61 tanks entered service with the troops. There are no plans to produce the T-90 for the Russian Army in 2011.
In addition, since 2000, deliveries to India began, and since 2010, licensed production of the tank at Indian factories began. There are plans to increase the number of tanks of this type in the Indian army to 1657. Also in 2006-2008, contracts were signed for the supply of tanks to a number of other countries, in particular Algeria and Saudi Arabia. The cost of a new T-90 under contracts for the supply of the Russian army is 70 million rubles per unit as of 2010; in March 2011, a different cost was named - 118 million.
History of creation and production
Modification of the T-72, created at the design bureau “UKBTM (Ural Design Bureau of Transport Engineering)” (Nizhny Tagil) in 1989 under the leadership of chief engineer Vladimir Potkin (the original name of the tank was “object 188”, or T-72BU).
The Object 188 was developed in parallel with the much more advanced experimental tank Object 187, also a former development of the T-72 series. However, soon after the collapse of the USSR, the introduction of the Object 187 into mass production had to be curtailed, and the simpler T-72BU, renamed T-90, was chosen as the main tank. However, subsequently many of the progressive technical solutions of the Object 187 were able to be applied in a new, promising generation of Russian tanks.
Serial production began in 1992. In 1992-1996, the industry supplied a total of no more than 120 T-90s to the ground forces, then production was stopped and resumed only in 2004. New tanks, in particular, fully equipped one of the regiments of the 21st Taganrog Red Banner Order of Suvorov motorized rifle division of the Siberian Military District, as well as the 108th tank regiment of the 5th Guards Budapest Tank Division (stationed in Buryatia); one T-90A battalion produced in 2004-2005 is listed in the Taman Motorized Rifle Division.
The design of the T-90 repeats the basic principles of Soviet tank building: compared to foreign tanks, for example, the Abrams, which had a spacious layout, which increased the size of the tank, its weight, required the installation of a powerful engine, and reduced the possibilities for increasing protection, the T-90 has a high density layout (small armor volume), the use of non-traditional means of increasing security (dynamic protection, KOEP), missile and gun weapons.
The basis for the new tank was the Soviet T-72B developed by UKBTM. Since 1985, it was produced together with the T-80U, but differed from it in its primitive non-automated fire control system (FCS). Thus, the creation of the T-90 implied bringing the T-72B to the level of the T-80U in all respects, which, however, until recently could not be achieved in terms of mobility.
On the T-90 of the first series (“object 188”), in addition to the 1A45T fire control system, unified with the T-80, the Shtora-2 optical-electronic suppression complex was installed, providing the tank with individual protection against anti-tank guided missiles in service with most armies of the world ( ATGM) with command semi-automatic guidance systems such as “TOW”, “Hot”, “Milan”, “Dragon” and laser homing heads such as “Maverick”, “Hellfire”, “Copper head” due to the creation of active interference with their guidance.
The new version of the T-90 (T-90A, or "object 188A1"), which entered production in 2004, is improved in a number of respects. In particular, a modern 2nd generation “Essa” thermal imager with a fully stabilized field of view, integrated with the main sight and its rangefinder channel, is installed as a night sight; the previous cast turret was replaced with a reinforced welded one with armor dimensions up to 950 mm; Instead of an 840-horsepower engine, a 1000-horsepower V-92S2 diesel engine was created. In the future, it is planned to install a promising 1200-horsepower V-99 diesel engine on the tank; According to some reports, the gun stabilizer was replaced, which doubled the transfer speed of the turret and improved the accuracy of firing on the move. Their procurement program remains extremely limited: by 2015, it is planned to purchase seven battalion sets (217 vehicles). In 2007, the Russian Ministry of Defense purchased 60 T-90A tanks (two battalion sets).
In August 2007, it was announced the delivery of about 100 thermal imaging cameras of the Catherine FC model, from the French manufacturer Thales, for installation on T-90 tanks of the Russian army. The Catherine FC camera allows for effective target recognition in a variety of lighting conditions, day and night. It is designed for installation in compact optoelectronic modules that can be placed on platforms of any kind and subsequently integrated into complex battlefield information systems.
Modifications
A new modification of the T-90M is being developed. The tank will have a completely new turret design, which is practically devoid of weakened vulnerable areas and is all-aspect.
A panoramic sight is installed. Not only the frontal, but also the side projection, as well as the stern, are significantly better protected. The most important thing in terms of protection is enhanced roof protection. The tank can be equipped with both 2A46M5 guns and a completely new gun with significantly improved ballistic characteristics - 2A82. The modernized tank can be equipped with a new automatic loader designed for high aspect ratio BOPS, and a container for additional ammunition is provided in the rear part of the turret. It is also possible to install a new remote sensing device “Relic” instead of “Contact-V”. The complex will increase the anti-ballistic protection of the T-90 by 1.4 times in terms of BOPS and increase the anti-cumulative resistance by 2.1 times. Work is underway to introduce a monoblock power plant based on a V-shaped 1000-horsepower turbodiesel V-92S2 (or its forced version V-99 with a power of 1200 hp), motion control systems using a steering wheel and automatic gear shifting. Currently, only the turret has been manufactured by UKBTM pilot production.
Combat and technical characteristics
Description of design
The T-90 has a classic layout, with the control compartment located in the frontal part, the fighting compartment in the middle and the engine compartment in the rear. The T-90 crew consists of three people - a driver, located along the longitudinal axis of the tank in the control compartment, and a gunner with a commander, located in the turret to the left and right of the gun, respectively.
Armored hull and turret
The T-90 has sharply differentiated ballistic armor protection. The armored hull of the T-90 is welded, the turret is cast on the T-90 and welded on the T-90S and T-90A. The main material of the hull is armor steel; The upper frontal plate of the hull, as well as the frontal part of the turret within the heading angles of ±35°, consist of multi-layer composite armor. The sides and roof of the turret and the side armor plates of the hull also have a partially multilayer structure.
The shape of the T-90's armored hull and its layout have not changed compared to the T-72, although the protection of the new tank has increased compared to its predecessor due to the use of more modern composite armor. The T-90 hull is box-shaped, with a wedge-shaped nose with a standard angle of inclination to the vertical of the upper frontal plate for Soviet main battle tanks - 68°. The sides of the hull are vertical, their upper part consists of armor plates, while the lower part is formed by the edges of the bottom. The rear of the hull has a reverse slope. The roof of the hull consists of several rolled armor plates, while the bottom of the hull is solidly stamped and has a complex shape.
The exact armor details of the T-90, as of 2008, remain classified. However, there are numerous assessments by both Russian and Western experts regarding the effectiveness of its frontal armor. The armor resistance of the frontal projection of the hull and turret against shelling by armor-piercing finned sabot projectiles is assessed in general, taking into account the built-in dynamic protection, as equivalent to 800-830 mm of rolled armor steel. The armor resistance of the hull and turret against shelling with cumulative ammunition is estimated, also taking into account dynamic protection, at 1150-1350 mm. These data refer to the maximum armor level and do not take into account the weakened areas present on any tank. For the T-90, the weakened zones are the section of the upper frontal part in the area of the driver's viewing device, where the thickness of the armor is reduced to allow the device to be mounted on the roof, as well as sections of the turret on the sides of the gun embrasure, which do not have combined protection and have a smaller thickness.
Active protection
In addition to traditional armor and dynamic protection, the T-90 is equipped with active protection consisting of the Shtora-1 optical-electronic suppression complex. The complex is designed to protect a tank from being hit by anti-tank guided missiles and consists of an optical-electronic suppression station and a curtain installation system. The optical-electronic suppression station is designed to protect against missiles with a semi-automatic guidance system and consists of two OTSHU-1-7 infrared searchlights, two modulators and a control panel. The curtain setting system is designed to counter guided missiles with laser homing or semi-automatic laser beam guidance, as well as to interfere with the operation of laser rangefinders and setting a smoke (aerosol) screen. The system consists of a complex of laser radiation indicators, including two coarse and two precise direction sensors, a control system and twelve aerosol grenade launchers.
When irradiation of a tank by laser radiation is detected, the system for setting the curtains ensures that the direction of irradiation is determined and the crew is notified, after which it automatically or at the direction of the tank commander fires an aerosol grenade, which, when exploded, creates an aerosol cloud that weakens and partially reflects the laser radiation, disrupting the operation of the missile guidance systems. In addition, the aerosol cloud camouflages the tank, acting as a smoke screen and can be used specifically for this purpose.
Armament
Main weapons
The main armament of the T-90 is a 125-mm 2A46M smoothbore cannon, mounted in a coaxial mount with a machine gun on trunnions in the frontal part of the turret and stabilized in two planes by the 2E42-4 “Jasmine” system. The gun barrel length is 48 calibers / 6000 mm. The gun is equipped with an automatic loader and is capable of firing guided weapons. The maximum effective range of armor-piercing sub-caliber and cumulative projectiles is 4000 m, guided missiles - 5000 m, high-explosive fragmentation projectiles - up to 10,000 m.
The gun's ammunition consists of 42 rounds of separate-case loading, of which 22 are in the automatic loader, and another 20 are in stowage in the hull and turret of the tank and can be manually moved by the crew to the automatic loader as the ammunition in it is consumed, or directly loaded into weapon. The T-90 is capable of firing a wide range of four types of ammunition - armor-piercing sub-caliber, cumulative, high-explosive fragmentation shells and guided missiles, which can be included in the ammunition load in any ratio. The T-90 automatic loader, located on the rotating turret floor, is an electromechanical, carousel type, similar to that installed on the T-72, but with an automatic control system from the commander’s seat. The gun's rate of fire is 8 rounds per minute when the automatic loader is operating and up to two rounds per minute when loading manually.
Guided weapons complex
In addition to traditional artillery weapons, the T-90 has the ability to fire 9M119M anti-tank guided missiles. Missiles are launched using the main gun of the tank; missiles are guided by a laser beam in a semi-automatic mode. The T-90 guided weapon system allows firing, with a hit probability close to one, at stationary or moving targets at a speed of up to 70 km/h at a distance of 100 to 5000 m, from a standstill and on the move at a speed of up to 30 km/h . This provides it with a much greater effective target engagement range than tanks equipped only with artillery weapons, for which, even with the most modern sighting systems, effective shooting at “tank” type targets at a distance of more than 2500 m is already seriously difficult.
The guided weapons complex consists of a laser control channel with a ballistic computer, an automation unit and shots with guided missiles for a tank gun. Guided missile rounds, grades 3UBK14 or 3UBK20, have the same dimensions as standard 125-mm artillery rounds and consist of a solid propellant rocket and a reduced propellant charge necessary to impart initial speed to the rocket, as well as ensure the recoil of the gun and the opening of its breech after shot.
Auxiliary weapons
The T-90's auxiliary armament consists of a coaxial machine gun, an anti-aircraft machine gun mount and the crew's personal weapons. The mount paired with the gun houses a 7.62 mm PKT or PKTM machine gun. The machine gun's ammunition consists of 2,000 rounds of ammunition in eight belts of 250 each, and the combat rate of fire is about 250 rounds per minute.
The anti-aircraft machine gun mount is located on the roof of the turret on the commander's cupola and is a remote-guided autonomous 12.7 mm machine gun, NSVT "Utes" on early production tanks or 6P49 "Kord" on later vehicles. The machine gun is aimed in the horizontal and vertical plane using an electromechanical drive. The machine gun's ammunition capacity is 300 rounds in two belts of 150 each.
For crew self-defense, the tank is equipped with a 5.45-mm AKS74U assault rifle, fifteen 30-round magazines and ten F-1 or RGD hand grenades.
Reliability and manufacturability
Advantages
Flaws
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